New Jersey has an aggressive trout stocking programs that include brown, rainbow and brook trout, as well as hybrids like this tiger trout.

It's unlikely many folks from this region associate New Jersey with both excellent and varied trout fishing. However, the Garden State offers fine trout angling, including an aggressive fall stocking program that plants high numbers of large trout in streams and lakes.

One of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's most successful efforts is its Trout Conservation Area program, which functions similarly to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Delayed Harvest Areas.

"These waters receive both spring and fall stockings," said Jim Sciascia, information and education director for the New Jersey agency. "In the spring, they are stocked with about 600,000 trout, which average about 11 inches in length.

"In the fall, they are stocked with about 21,000 fish in October. These fish range from 14 to 24 inches. They are 2- to 3-year-old trout. A lot of them will holdover through the winter and be available the following spring," he added.

The DFW stocked 16 streams and 16 ponds with quality-sized trout beginning on Oct. 6. The stockings took place over a two-week period, with ponds being stocked first, then streams the following week.

About 20,000 of the trout were 2-year-old trout that averaged 14 to 16 inches. Another thousand brood stock trout (3 years and older) were planted, furnishing the trophy element. All trout are raised at the agency's Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County.

"Our trout program is pretty much a year-round program," said Sciascia. "Historically, it was a spring put-and-take fishery.

"But with the development of these Trout Conservation Areas and the stocking of fish in the fall, the sport is becoming very well utilized. The guys that fish the fall season, many keep right on fishing through the winter and into the spring," he added.

Much of the better trout habitat is located within the streams that drain into the Delaware River in the northern portion of the state. Though close to significant population centers, these waters provide a wealth of trout angling opportunities.

Streams and rivers included in the state's Trout Conservation Area program are higher-quality waters that provide an exceptional level of recreation and have the potential to support trout throughout the year.

The FWD has both Year-Round and Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas, with slight variations within the two. Three waters are included in the Year-Round TCA program: The East Branch of the Paulinskill River, the South Branch of the Raritan River and Toms River.

The project waters on the Paulinskill cover 2.25 miles and run from the limestone railroad spur bridge downstream to its merger with the West Branch at Warbasse Junction.

The South Branch of the Raritan River has two TCA projects: the Ken Lockwood Gorge area and the Claremont area, the former being found in Hunterdon County and the latter in Morris County.

The Ken Lockwood Gorge area runs through a wildlife management area of the same name. Sciascia said this portion of the Raritan River is the state's premier trout water. It covers 2.5 miles.

"The place is just gorgeous," said Sciascia. "The road runs along the entire gorge, but you can only drive in about a mile from each end. The middle portion is walk-in only. But the farthest you have to walk is about a mile. It is a fabulous stream."

The Claremont section of the Raritan's TCA begins about 1.1 miles upriver of the confluence of Electric Brook.

The Pequannock, Pequest and Musconetcong rivers have Seasonal TCA project water that totals about 4 miles.

Additional information on New Jersey's trout program can be obtained by visiting www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/index.htm.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.